Someone had tampered with his security system. Had created a blind spot. Had made sure they could move around the property unseen.
And he hadn’t noticed until now.
God, what am I missing?
He scanned the property from his vantage point, looking for anything else out of place. The other cameras appeared untouched from here, but he’d need to check them all.
One thing was certain: Whoever had done this knew the property layout. Knew where the cameras were positioned. Knew exactly what they were doing.
That meant it was someone who’d been here before.
Or someone who was still here now.
Caleb climbed down the ladder, his mind racing. He needed to tell Sheriff Sutherland. Needed to check every other camera. Needed to figure out who had access and opportunity.
But if someone was creating blind spots in his security system, that meant someone was planning something.
chapter
seventeen
As the morning went on,Millie continued to try to place why Valentina seemed familiar.
Did the woman remind her of someone from her past? A coworker? A neighbor?
No memories clicked into place.
Maybe she was projecting. Trauma had a way of sharpening instincts and making everything look like a threat.
She had gone back into the laundry room to work on a new load when someone appeared in the doorway.
Valentina and Pippa.
“Can I help?” Valentina asked. “I’ve already unpacked, and I need something to do.”
“I’d love that.”
Valentina set Pippa down near her feet. The dog perched neatly, watching Biscuit with nervous eyes.
Biscuit stiffened again.
Millie stepped between them, resting a hand on her dog’s back. “Easy, boy. Easy.”
Biscuit leaned into her leg, but his attention stayed sharp.
Valentina smiled and picked up a blanket to fold. “He’s very loyal.”
“He is.”
The woman’s gaze lifted again, meeting Millie’s. Something flickered there.
Whatever the emotion was, it was gone almost as soon as it appeared.
Or was she imagining things?
“So, how long have you been here?” Valentina asked as she picked up a shirt.
“Not long. This is my second day.”
